| The Office of the Ombudsman has strengthened its ties with the business sector in a bid to combat corruption and promote economic growth.
The Ombudsman and members of the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) signed this morning (December 3) a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) which aims to forge a collaborative partnership for the development and implementation of policies that will converge with other global efforts in fighting graft and corruption in the business sector.
FPI is a non-government organization and a leading business community known as the “Voice of the Philippine Industry.” Formally organized and registered on January 24, 1991, the FPI is an indispensable partner of the Philippine Government whose advice and counsel are sought to promote and develop globally-competitive industries.
The MOA signing was by Ombudsman Ma. Merceditas N. Gutierrez and FPI President Jesus Lim Arranza.
Under the agreement, the Office of the Ombudsman will conduct activities in coordination with FPI that will promote integrity in the business sector, evaluate reports on the incidents and causes of corruption, and facilitate monthly meetings with FPI for the adoption of a monitoring plan.
Members of the FPI, on the other hand, committed to facilitate the development and implementation of integrity policies to cope with the demands of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) and promote the adoption of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Code of Conduct.
They also undertook to support the Ombudsman in the discharge of its functions, particularly by providing technical expertise and personnel complement for the investigation and prosecution of graft and corruption cases.
The agreement was signed in wake of reports identifying corruption as the most problematic factor for doing business in the Philippines, and that two of five Filipino managers spend a considerable amount to combat corruption and fraud in their own companies.##
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